Course Outline

OCC100 Occupational Therapy Theory

Course Coordinator:Ben Turner (bturner2@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Occupational Therapy

2025Semester 2

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of a range of occupational therapy practice models. Students will apply occupational therapy practice models to organise and interpret information about occupational performance. This course will contribute to understanding evaluation in the occupational therapy process, and will introduce clinical reasoning and goal setting to synthesise information when considering intervention.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Complete weekly pre-class learning activities before Workshop 1 1hr Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Online large group workshop. (Recorded) Attendance is recommended. 2hrs Week 1 13 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Face-to-face small group tutorials. (Not recorded). 2hrs Week 1 13 times

Course Topics

The course integrates the following topics:

  1. Occupational therapy process
  2. Occupational therapy models and frameworks
  3. Clinical reasoning 
  4. Goal setting
  5. Reflective practice

 

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
1 Differentiate and apply occupational therapy models and frameworks to occupational therapy practice. Knowledgeable
2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 3.7, 4.4
2 Explain how occupational therapy theory informs decision-making and the occupational therapy scope of practice.​ Empowered
2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 4.1
3 Apply the language of occupational therapy models of practice to describe occupational performance and identify priority areas. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2.1, 2.2, 2.8, 3.7, 4.1, 4.2, 4.8, 4.10
4 Synthesise information to develop clinical reasoning, when considering intervention. Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
2.1, 2.2, 2.5

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Occupational Therapy Council of Australia Ltd
2.1 Applies current and evidence informed knowledge of occupational therapy and other appropriate and relevant theory in practice.
2.2 Applies theory and frameworks of occupation to professional practice and decision-making.
2.5 Maintains current knowledge for cultural responsiveness to all groups in the practice setting.
2.8 Reflects on practice to inform current and future reasoning and decision-making and the integration of theory and evidence into practice.
3.7 Reflects on practice to inform and communicate professional reasoning and decision-making.
4.1 Communicates openly, respectfully and effectively.
4.2 Adapts written, verbal and non-verbal communication appropriate to the client and practice context.
4.4 Uses culturally responsive, safe and relevant communication tools and strategies.
4.8 Maintains professional collaborative relationships with clients, health professionals and relevant others.
4.10 Seeks and responds to feedback, modifying communication and/or practice accordingly.

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

OCC101 and enrolled in Program SC440

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

OCC201

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Workshop activities and assessment task one have been designed to provide early feedback on your learning progress. 

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Quiz/zes Individual 10%
20 mins
Week 4 Online Test (Quiz)
All 2 Examination - not Centrally Scheduled Individual 40%
90 minutes
Week 10 In Class
All 3 Written Piece Individual 50%
2000 words (+/-10%)
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Quiz
Goal:
To test your knowledge of the theoretical basis and principles of occupational therapy practice.
Product: Quiz/zes
Format:
Online quiz: Week 4
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Knowledge of theoretical concepts and models
1 2
2
Recall the theoretical basis for occupational therapy practice
1 4
Generic Skills:
Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 2:Video analysis exam
Goal:
Analyse and apply occupational therapy practice models to video case studies.
Product: Examination - not Centrally Scheduled
Format:
A written examination with video case studies
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Knowledge of occupational therapy theory, practice models and frameworks.
1
2
Understanding of occupational therapy scope of practice and use of occupational therapy language.
1 2
3
Ability to apply knowledge of occupational therapy models to case scenarios​, to describe occupational performance.
3
Generic Skills:
Problem solving, Information literacy
All - Assessment Task 3:Application of models and frameworks.
Goal:
Apply theoretical concepts applied in this course in a case study assessment
Product: Written Piece
Format:
Submission of a written piece via Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Explains the role of occupational therapy theory to occupational therapy practice, drawing on high quality sources of information.
2
2
Analysis and application of one model of occupational therapy practice, for a volunteer interview.
1 2 3 4
3
Academic writing style with clear structure including introduction, body (including discussion of and reasoning for selection of model and priority areas for your volunteer), and conclusion. Written expression including syntax, grammar, spelling.
3
4
Correct use of APA for intext citations and reference list.
2 3
5
Engages in reflection to inform professional practice.
2 4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Information literacy

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Michael Curtin,Mary Egan,Jo Adams 2017 Occupational Therapy for People Experiencing Illness, Injury Or Impairment 7th Occupational Therapy Essential
Recommended Marilyn B. Cole,Roseanna Tufano 2019 Applied Theories in Occupational Therapy 2nd Slack
Recommended Ted Brown,Helen Bourke-Taylor,Stephen Isbel,Louise Gustafsson,Reinie Cordier 2021 Occupational Therapy in Australia 2nd Routledge
Recommended Glen Gillen,Catana Brown 2023 Willard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy 14th Lippincott

Specific requirements

​Students should access Canvas for all course requirements. Queries regarding assessment will be addressed on Canvas discussion boards and not by email. Other issues can be discussed with your Course Coordinators via appointment during designed contact hours as specified on Canvas. This course includes engagement in telehealth activities, therefore you will need access to reliable internet services at home or by attending campus to use the UniSC computer networks. Students will be expected to wear their UniSC Occupational Therapy uniform for teaching and learning activities involving consumers in this course.

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Eligibility for Supplementary Assessment

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:
(a) The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%; and
(b) The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submissions may be penalised up to and including the following maximum percentage of the assessment task’s identified value, with weekdays and weekends included in the calculation of days late:
(a) One day: deduct 5%;
(b) Two days: deduct 10%;
(c) Three days: deduct 20%;
(d) Four days: deduct 40%;
(e) Five days: deduct 60%;
(f) Six days: deduct 80%;
(g) Seven days: A result of zero is awarded for the assessment task.

The following penalties will apply for a late submission for an online examination:
Less than 15 minutes: No penalty
From 15 minutes to 30 minutes: 20% penalty
More than 30 minutes: 100% penalty

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au